KENYA

At a glance …

Located on the equator, Kenya is a relatively small country compared to many other safari destinations. However, it fits a lot of safari highlights into a small area.

Undoubtedly the jewel in the crown is the Masai Mara National Reserve. This is one of the world’s great wildlife sanctuaries. However, there is so much more for the wildlife enthusiast.

The flat plains of Amboseli provide the iconic view of Mount Kilimanjaro. The arid Samburu home to unique species. The wildlife rich waters of Lakes Nakuru and Naivasha.

The famous lions of Tsavo and the equally famous forests of the Aberdares. This is just the start, Turkana, Laikipia, Losai, Lewa and the list goes on and on!

Then there is the beautiful Indian Ocean coast. Famed for its long white sand beaches and turquoise seas, it is the perfect end to a safari. Mombasa, Malindi and Diani are synonymous with lazy days in the tropical sun. Don’t forget the beautiful Unesco World Heritage island of Lamu, where vehicles are banned and donkeys rule!

Beyond bush and beach, lie lakes and mountains as well as an incredibly rich cultural heritage.

Kenya really is magical!

Safari Highlights

Masai Mara National Reserve

Wildebeest Migration

Samburu National Reserve

Amboseli National Park

Aberdares National Park

Lake Nakuru

Tsavo East and West

Meru National Park

Beyond Safari

Mount Kenya

Indian Ocean Coast

Lamu Island

Lake Victoria

Something Different

Hot Air ballooning over the Masai Mara

Mountain Climbing

Lake and ocean fishing

Cultural Interaction

Travel info …

Safaricom, Airtel and Telkom are the main mobile service providers in Kenya. We would recommend if you are looking to get a local sim to use Safaricom as they have the widest network.

You can buy a local Safaricom sim from any Safaricom shop (which you will find in every town of any size throughout the country). Safaricom also have outlets at both Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport and Mombasa’s Moi Airport. You will need to show your passport.

Ask the shop assistant to set up your sim for you. Bundles with calls and data are relatively cheap. Coverage is surprisingly good. You are likely to have signal in most areas, including some of the national parks.

Most of the hotels and lodges in Kenya offer wifi facilities somewhere on the property. However, a sim is useful if you need to be in touch on the long drives between destinations.

There are no required vaccines for visiting Kenya (except Yellow Fever – see below) – however, some medical sources recommend that travellers inoculations against Hepatitis A, Polio, Tetanus and Typhoid. As always, it is best to consult your doctor.

Kenya, according to the World Health Organisation, is a country where there is a risk of yellow fever transmission. As such when visiting Kenya you must have a valid yellow fever certificate (this will be asked for in whichever country is your destination after Kenya). For full details please click here. Please note that if you are coming from a yellow fever risk country that you need to carry your yellow fever certificate with you!

Year round we recommend you take anti-malaria medications, for all areas of Kenya. Please consult your doctor. Both malaria and dengue fever are common in Kenya.

Most tourists visit Kenya without any problems at all. However, there has been an escalation in recent years of petty theft, and some aggravated theft on tourists.

Do not carry large sums of money with you, or conspicuous amounts of jewellery/camera equipment etc. Avoid walking at night if possible, especially in larger towns and cities.

However, the British Foreign Office advise against all but essential travel to anywhere within a 60km distance of the Somali border. This corridor also extends down to the coast to just north of Mombasa.

For the coast from Mombasa southward, the island of Lamu (if flying in), and all the safari areas, there is no restriction advised beyond standard security measures.

While on tour in the safari areas, there is little threat of anything more than petty theft. Always keep valuables locked in your hotel safe.

There are sometimes complaints of harassment by “beach boys” of beach goers along the coast. Mostly they are just trying to sell good – just be vigilant, but don’t let is spoil your enjoyment.

As with all other destinations, be aware of your surroundings, and if a situation doesn’t feel right move on.

If you have questions you can follow the official advise of the British Foreign Office here and the US Sate Department here.

The Kenyan Shilling (Ksh) is the official currency of Kenya. The Kenyan Shilling comes in notes of Ksh50, Ksh100, Ksh200, Ksh500 and Ksh1000 (Ksh5/10/20 notes are in circulation but less common). Coins are issued in Ksh1, Ksh5, Ksh10, Ksh20 and Ksh40 (as well as a 50c coin)

US$ will be accepted at many tourist lodges, curios shops and agencies. In many of these establishments prices will be displayed in US$. In these establishments it is also common practice to tip in US$ (although KSh are likely to be preferred). However, most everywhere else you will need to use Kenyan Shillings. We recommend that you do convert money into Kenyan Shillings for your time in Kenya, unless you are only flying from place to place.

Exchanging money is best done at bureau de change (airports and main towns) or banks. US$, British Pounds and Euros are readily accepted for change. With US$ it is better to have later issue, clean notes.

Many of the lodges and hotels (and some high end shops and restaurants) will accept payment by credit or debit card, however, some may levy a fee. VISA is the most widely accepted, Mastercard less so, and do not bother with American Express or Diners.

ATM/cash point machines are available in most towns, and main airports. Some will only accept VISA, but more and more now also accept Mastercard. Note that some ATM’s (like Barclay’s) charge a “foreign card” fee.

All visitors to Kenya require a valid passport, valid for at least six months from date of entry.

With the exception of certain African, Caribbean and handful of others, most people require a visa to enter Kenya. You can get your visa in advance through the eVisa facility here . However, many people still prefer to just get their visa on arrival. It appears that there is no significant time saving on arrival with an evisa (at this stage).

A transit visa costs US$20 (allows 72 hours in the country, if on a connecting flight out of Kenya and not leaving the airport no visa is needed), single entry is US$50 and an East African Visa US$100. The East African visa allows you to travel between Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda on just one visa, and is issued by the country in which you first arrive.

In Kenya the standard voltage is 240 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances in Kenya, if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 – 240 V (as is in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa). If the standard voltage in your country is in the range of 100 V – 127 V (as is in the US, Canada and most South American countries), you may need a voltage converter in Kenya. Many small electronic devices now have dual voltage converters as standard.

The standard plug in Kenya is a three square pinned plug as show above – often referred to as a type G (as used in the UK). We suggest travelling with an adaptor (unless travelling from the UK) – although most hotels and lodges will be able to assist (a deposit may be required).

The equator cuts through Kenya, and as such there is no pronounced winter/summer. Seasons are more determined by rain.

Generally speaking December to March is a hot dry period. This is also arguable the best time to be on the coast, as the sea is calmest and visibility best.

April to early June is the “long rains”. It is unusual to rain the whole day, but heavy downpours are frequent.

Late June to October is the “cooler” dry season. Although other than at altitude (Mount Kenya, Aberdares etc) temperatures will not be really cold. Many consider this the best time for safari. Temperatures will rise through September and October.

November – December usually sees the “short rains”. They break the building heat and refresh the dry savannah.